The 10 Ways Brain-Injury Survivors SHOULD Act

Recovering from a brain injury [I had a hemorrhagic stroke] is a challenging process. Every survivor’s journey is different, too.

Here are ten ways that brain injury survivors can use to help with their recovery, even reshape their lives after the injury. 

1.  Adopt a Positive Mindset

Positivity and resilience play a powerful role in recovery. Surround yourself with supportive people, practice gratitude, and try to focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t. It may be a short list, but at least it’s a list.

2.  Communicate About Limitations

Yes, you can’t do a lot of things, but just being an observer, a watcher if you will, at other people’s successes will help you realize, and not right away, that you have limitations. Learn about them and talk about them, especially to your family and friends.

3.  Follow Medical Guidance

Consider following medical advice from doctors, therapists, and rehabilitation professionals. This includes following treatment plans, medication times, and showing up for therapy sessions.

4.  Be Patient with Yourself

Healing from a brain injury often is lengthy, with the progress slow. It’s important to manage expectations and understand that healing is a gradual process. Set small, realistic goals, and celebrate each achievement.

5.  Do Cognitive Drills

Puzzles, memory exercises, and reading can help rebuild cognitive function by stimulating the brain. Check with your therapists. Maybe you will become better faster!

6.  Sleep and Rest to Heal

The brain requires sleep and rest to recover.  Sleep is a must, and when you feel fatigued, rest through meditation or even nap. Overdoing it may impede your recovery.

7.  Focus on Physical Activity

Consult with your doctor before starting a physical regimen. Engage in physical exercise, depending on your injury, to promote healing. Exercise always boosts overall health, increases the brain’s blood flow, and assists in reducing stress. 

8.  Engage in Social Support

Stay connected with friends and family because social isolation can slow recovery. It  can also lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Joining support groups with other brain injury survivors for encouragement and understanding should make you realize you’re not alone.

9.  Manage Stress

Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, mindfulness —https://talesofastrokesurvivor.blog/meditation-and-mindfulness-a-2-part-series/– and deep breathing exercises because stress can impede the brain’s healing process. 

10. Accept Help from Others

Understanding to accept help from others is good for you and the do-er, too, especially your family and friends. It makes them feel that your recovery, albeit a very small part, happened a little bit because of them.

As I always say, “It’s hard being a person.” But it’s easier if you follow some of these tips!